Bakambu's San Diego FC Stint Ends Over Housing Lawsuit

DR Congo forward Cedric Bakambu had been playing for MLS side San Diego FC since September. The 35-year-old striker, who scored 5 goals and provided 3 assists in his first 9 matches for his new team, announced through his social media account that he had left the club in a surprise decision. Bakambu gave no reason in his post and said, "I really would have liked to continue this adventure, but some things are developing outside our control."

According to ESPN, the departure is linked to a claim that Bakambu and his wife, Anne-Laure Hueber, were subjected to housing discrimination. In the court filing, a real estate company, two landlords and two real estate agents are alleged to have discriminated against the couple because of their "familial status." According to the claim, the couple was denied the chance to rent a home in California because they would be living there with their five children.

According to the report, in the first incident Bakambu offered to install the pool safety barrier required because of the children and to pay a year's rent in advance. However, the offer was not accepted and the property was taken off the market. In the second incident, he offered to pay $23,500 for a home asking $20,000 a month in rent, and this offer also went unanswered.

In the lawsuit, Bakambu and his family argue that their right to fair housing was violated. The family was forced to stay in temporary housing throughout the process. According to the filing, the consequences include lost housing opportunities, additional expenses, disruption to the children's schooling and social activities, a sense of humiliation, and emotional distress.